Full Mouth Reconstruction (Call us at 408-719-8600)
Full mouth reconstruction has a simple overall objective: to rebuild the teeth in your upper and lower jaws. In reality, the procedure is a combination of multiple dental treatments. There are many benefits of full mouth reconstruction, such as a better quality of life, the ability to chew and taste food better without jaw and facial muscle pain, plus a better look for the patient. Patients often remark how pleased they are with the results of full mouth reconstruction.
So when does a patient need full mouth reconstruction?
The dentist may recommend this procedure if you have several missing or decaying teeth. You may also be a candidate if you are experiencing muscle pain or discomfort in or around the jawbone. There are other situations that require a reconstruction, such as accidents or injuries where there has been significant damage to the teeth and jaw.
A dental group from Maryland, The Posnick Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, recently investigated patient satisfaction after this and other similar surgeries. The patients questioned, had come to the dentist with teeth and jaw problems, and were overwhelmingly satisfied with the results after reconstruction or other similar dental surgeries. Since most patients are highly satisfied with the results, patients can feel comfortable when considering the full mouth reconstruction procedure.
Full mouth reconstruction can combine a wide-range of dental procedures and involve multiple specialists from differing disciplines. This can include gum surgery, re-alignment of your teeth, addition of a bridge, and possibly other dental treatments. The first step for the patient is to formulate a plan with a primary dentist. The primary dentist will look over dental records and x-rays, and take initial impressions of the teeth to develop a suitable treatment plan. The primary dentist will then advise if any specialists will be needed.
The treatment plan for full mouth reconstruction may include dental treatments such as crown lengthening and placement of temporary and permanent restorations. Dental implants or shaping of your gum to create a beautiful smile may also be needed. Each visit to the dentist may last a few hours but all the procedures can be spread out, so it may take several weeks or months to complete the full mouth reconstruction process. This way there is some time between dental visits and the results you get will be invaluable. Upon completion you are left with a brilliant youthful smile, and even more important, a healthy smile.
Who else is needed, besides your primary dentist, in your full mouth reconstruction process?
Depending on your particular case, orthodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, and oral surgeons may be needed. No two cases are alike. Whereas the orthodontist will align your teeth, an oral surgeon may be needed to extract old, decaying teeth and insert dental implants. The prosthodontist may be necessary to help build better restorations in your mouth. The periodontist, or gum specialist, will help in getting the healthiest gums possible around your teeth, while ensuring that your gums and teeth are visually pleasing.
Dental implants are often required for full mouth reconstruction. Oral surgeons offer implants to individuals who have lost their teeth in order to improve overall dental health. Dentists understand the need for this type of oral reconstructive surgery and are constantly looking for ways to improve the techniques involved. For example, a team of dentists from China recognizes the risk of tooth loss to human health, and is working on a change in the current treatment to improve the procedure of inserting a prosthetic dental implant.
Full mouth reconstruction procedures can vary in the type of treatments that are needed and how long it takes to complete, but once finished, the patient will be pain free and have a balanced, healthy smile. If you have jaw pain, missing or damaged teeth, problems with your jaw and other major dental problems, you may need a full mouth reconstruction. Call our dental office now for a consultation to find out if you are a candidate for full mouth reconstruction.
References:
Lin C, Dong Q, Wang L, Zhang J, Wu L, Liu B. Dental implants with the periodontium: A new approach for the restoration of missing teeth. Medical Hypotheses. 2008; In Press.
Posnick JC, Wallace J. Complex orthognathic surgery: assessment of patient satisfaction. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2008;66(5):934-42.
Whitehouse J. Makeovers are ageless. Dent Today. 2005;24(4):90, 92-5.
